Top 7 Vlogging Cameras Under 300

Are you looking for a vlogging camera under 300 with all the core features of a more expensive camera? If so, you are in the right place.

Starting a vlog does not require a large budget. Some people believe vlogging is out of reach for them because they lack money for their projects. This could not be further from the truth. Great technology today is widely accessible to everyone who does some research.

If you are looking to start a vlog and need a guide, feel free to check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Start a vlog. 

Here is the ultimate list of the best vlogging cameras under 300:

Camera (Amazon Link)	Maximum Resolution	Camera Type	Mic Port	Flip Screen
Nikon COOLPIX B500	1080p at 30FPS	DSLR	No	No
Panasonic LUMIX DC-TZ90EB-K	3840 x 2160p at 30FPS	Compact Digital	Yes	No
Canon VIXIA HF R800	1080p at 60 FPS	Camcorder	Yes	Yes
Canon PowerShot SX620	1080p at 30FPS	Compact	No	No
GoPro Hero 7	4K at 60FPS	Action Camera	Yes	No
Panasonic HC-V180K	1080p at 60 FPS	Camcorder	No	Yes
Sony HDR-CX405	1080p at 60 FPS	Camcorder	No	Yes

What to Look for in a Vlogging Camera

What should you consider when looking for a vlogging camera under 300 dollars? There are a few things to look for.

Good Brand

We recommend getting a vlogging camera form a well-known brand like Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Panasonic. They have a long history of experience building pro-consumer cameras with great reviews. 

Many of these brands also offer cameras at lower prices that still provide high quality. This list will only focus on vlogging cameras under 300 from well-known brands.

Video Quality 

Ideally, you want a minimum of 1080p resolution. Although 4k is increasingly common, many vloggers don’t actually upload in 4k. Larger resolutions also require a lot of space on your hard drive and SD card.

We have added two 4K cameras on this list, but you will do just as well with a 1080p vlogging camera.

Low light conditions

If you are vlogging on the go, you won’t always have access to great lighting for your video. Lighting is essential for good video quality. Your footage might end up looking grainy when you shoot outside at night or in other low light conditions. Therefore you want a camera that can handle adverse lighting conditions. In that case, look for cameras with bigger sensors like DSLRs or full-frame cameras.

Flip Screen

A flip screen that can face forward will allow you to see yourself while recording and is very helpful when vlogging. I don’t think this needs more explanation.

Microphone port 

Not all cameras support external microphones. A camera with a mic port allows you to bump up the audio quality significantly with a microphone. Even if you don’t plan to get a mic right off the start, you will always have that option later.

Camera Types

DSLR

DSLRs are professional cameras used for photography and recording video. DSLRs generally have big sensors, recording video with great detail and performing well in low light conditions. They are ideal for most indoor setups. 

They are chunkier cameras, often a lot heavier and bigger than mirrorless cameras. What makes these cameras so attractive to professionals is their amazing manual setting features to adjust the image exactly how you want it. You get the option to adjust things like aperture, shutter speed, iso, and white balance.

You can also switch between lenses and attach external microphones or extra batteries. Most DSLRs have an optical viewfinder as well as a digital viewfinder; this allows you to see the image before the sensor has processed it.

Camcorders

Camcorders offer longer maximum recording times and comfortable video ergonomics. Manual settings vary, but they generally allow for a lot of adjustments to the image.

Where camcorders lack is in sensor size. Generally, they have smaller sensors compared to DSLRs. This affects video quality, especially in low light conditions.

Compact Cameras

Compact cameras, like the name suggests, are usually smaller and more lightweight than DLSRs or camcorders. Compact cameras are the most userfriendly in this list, as they typically come with standard, automatic settings.

They lack an optical viewfinder and instead have a built-in digital LCD screen. Compact cameras vary in features, from very simple to advanced, there are zoom compact cameras and mirrorless compact cameras.

Generally, compact cameras will not capture as good video as a DSLR or camcorder; this is due to its small sensor size. They also have limited manual controls.

Action Cameras

Action cameras are small and lightweight devices made to withstand extreme conditions. They are waterproof, shockproof, and protected by thick glass. 

Even though they are small in size, they can record in high resolutions and framerates. They do have small sensors, so they will generally do poorly in low light conditions.

What type of vlog you want to create also plays a role in what kind of camera you want to get. 

• Travel/Adventure Vlogs – For this type of vlogs, you would want something smaller and durable like a compact camera or a GoPro. Bringing a DSLR along will ofter require carrying around a heavy camera bag.

• Every Day Vlogs – For everyday vlogs, you could use a compact camera or a camcorder. They are easy to set up, carry around, and use both outside and inside. If you pair the camera with Gorilla Tripod, you can create a very simple yet effective setup.

• Reviews/makeup tutorials – For videos where the camera sits still on a tripod or a desk, you can go more old school with a DSLR or even a camcorder. These cameras do best in indoor settings.

Best Vlogging Cameras Under 300

Nikon COOLPIX B500 

One of the top picks in this list is the Nikon COOLPIX B500. It records full HD at 30fps. Capturing high-quality video through its 16MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor.

Unlike most cameras, COOLPIX B500 only takes AA batteries. This means you must buy new ones every time you run out or get reusable AA batteries. The main advantage of this is that you can bring along a bunch of them if you are traveling, not having to charge through cable.

It has a standard 3-inch LCD screen, but it cant flip, so you cant see yourself while recording a vlog. You can tilt the display; this is very handy if you are looking to capture video at an interesting angle. 

The camera has a chunky but comfortable design. The handle fits nicely in your hand. It is a bit on the heavier side, though, maybe not ideal if you are shooting vlogs on the go.

The main disadvantage of this camera is that it has no exposure control settings and no microphone port to bump up the sound quality. Yet, it is still an excellent option for vlogging.

Camera Type: DSLR

Panasonic LUMIX DC-TZ90EB-K

The Lumix DC-TZ90EB-K stands above other cameras on this list as it records 4K video at 30fps. 

It has a micro HDMI port that allows for live streaming. It also has built-in wifi and NFC connectivity but lacks a mic port. Yet it does have a 3″ flip screen than can come in handy.

As with any small compact camera, video in low light environments are not so great. This is the trade-off for its compact design.

Some call the LUMIX DC-TZ90EB-K the ultimate travel camera. It does offer some great features even though it is small and compact.

Camera Type: Compact

Canon VIXIA HF R800

The Canon VIXIA HF R800 is one of the best vlogging cameras for under 300 dollars. It delivers excellent image quality through its 1/4.85 inch HD CMOS Image Sensor. It can shoot 1080p at up to 60 fps. This means you could even do some slow-motion shots. 

One of its greatest features is the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer, made for shooting smooth looking video. It also supports external microphones and headphones, allowing you to capture better sound for your vlog. 

The camera itself is small and portable, making it easy to take with you. It has a 3.0-inch touch flip panel LCD, allowing you to see yourself while recording. It is easy to navigate the menu through the touchscreen.

There is one con to be aware of, however. Because the HF R800 is a camcorder with a relatively small sensor, image quality in a low light environment is below average. The footage can end up looking grainy. 

We have to say this camera delivers impressive features at this price, full HD slow-motion recording, image stabilization, and a captivative LCD touchscreen display. For under 300 dollars, this is an excellent choice for vloggers.

Camera Type: Camcorder

Canon PowerShot SX620

This is another compact camera from Canon. The Canon PowerShot SX620 has a very compact and convenient design. It is smaller than most smartphones. Yet it delivers stunning full HD video at 30fps.

The PowerShot SX620 utilizes a small 1/ 2.3-inch CMOS sensor. But it records video with great detail, just suffering a bit in a low light environment.

Because of its small design, it does not have a mic port or flip screen. Still, the PowerShot SX620 is excellent if you want to record while traveling, or if you are just on the go. Its small and compact design makes it hassle-free to bring with you.

Camera Type: Compact

GoPro Hero 7

GoPros have always been a staple in vlogging. If you are willing to get your hands on an older GoPro, you could get a great vlogging camera for under 300 dollars.

The GoPro Hero 7 offers excellent video quality with 4K recording at 60fps or 1080p at up to 240fps for slow-motion shots. Designed as an action camera, the Hero 7 is small, compact, but very powerful. 

It is packed with features like HyperSmooth Video Stabilization, Touch Zoom, and excellent exposure control. It also has a 3.5mm Audio Mic Input so you can connect an external microphone. 

The main con is that it does not have a flip screen, so you cant see yourself while recording.

Camera Type: Action Camera

Panasonic HC-V180K

The Panasonic HC-V180K can record 1080p video at up to 60 fps.

Being an inexpensive camcorder, it offers all the core features you need for vlogging.

It has a handy flip 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen display. The touch-sensitivity is not as great as on a smartphone, but it is good enough for quick navigation. 

The HC-V180K does have some impressive zoom capabilities, it offers optical zoom up to 50x but has an Intelligent Zoom feature to extend the zoom range up to 90x.

Overall, this is another solid contender in this list recording for vlogging.

Camera Type: Camcorder

Sony HDR-CX405

This camcorder from Sony offers 1080p recording at up to 60fps. It has a video stabilization feature that is great for minimizing shaky video. It also has a microphone port that can allow you to bump up the audio quality if you choose too.

The image quality is not that great, but fair at this price. Overall, it is a solid camcorder this price point.

Camera Type: Camcorder

In Conclusion

We hope you found this gear guide helpful. As you might have discovered, you don’t need an expensive camera to start a vlog. Just remember to choose a camera that fits your wants and needs.